Consider this: Lend a hand

A feature in Monday’s CNY section noted that this is National Volunteer Week — a week dedicated to service with hopes that Americans will make lending a hand a long-term habit.

Our feature offered some possibilities: lead groups of Girl Scouts in outdoor activities and supervise cleanup efforts; train to be a telephone counselor with Contact Community Services; assist at a blood drive or help at a disaster through the Red Cross. Other ideas: tutor a neighbor’s child; baby-sit for the harried couple next door; spend an hour with a homebound acquaintance.

“Service is a lifelong pursuit that strengthens the civic and economic fabric of our nation,” President Obama said this week in a proclamation. “With every hour and every act, our lives are made richer, our communities are drawn closer, and our country is forged stronger by the dedication and generous spirit of volunteers.”

Volunteering provides obvious benefits. Many hands make light work. It fills in gaps left by budgeting shortfalls. It can make a crucial difference for the recipient. It also feels good to do good works.